Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

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  2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse - 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By Great Ride - March 11 - 3:30 pm

  I bought my silver 00 Eclipse GT in October of 99 off the showroom floor with 7 miles on the odo. I have 73000 miles on the car as of Jan 2008 and have never had any issues, just regular maintainance. Its been the most fun car Ive ever owned. It spends the night in the garage so it still looks showroom new. The only minor warranty issues were that the left foot rest pad broke off, dealer replaced for free. Rear speakers lost some power and dealer couldnt figure out why. Original tires lasted 60K miles, and I replaced the rear brakepads early due to uneven wear. I would recommend a mitsubishi to anyone.

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  Great New Car - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By jason110 - March 11 - 1:38 pm

  The Outlander Sport is a car-like SUV that doesnt look like a typical compact car or SUV. The sporty styling is great and the size is just right. The Outlander Sport has a quiet ride and handles well. Highway acceleration is good (for a small, high MPG vehicle). Interior is comfortable, uncluttered, and has plenty of leg room even for tall drivers. Lots of electronic features come standard (USB port, Bluetooth, voice commands, trip computer, etc). Excellent warranty, fuel economy, price, and safety features.

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  Love my SUV - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By BoBo93 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a Cabrio.... and I am loving the room that is offered in the Endeavor. It is so easy to take the bike along on a road trip as it fits perfectly in the back (until I get the hitch/bike rack) My fellow friends with SUVs love the ride and the comfort. Have been stopped by people asking what I am driving as they say they like the style of it.

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  Newcomer To the SUV Block - 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By dr.larry.appleton - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a lot of SUVs in my lifetime and find this vehicle to be perfectly configured with all the right equipment at a very good price. The Endeavor compares to my 2002 Envoy that cost me $29,000 with its handling ability, comfort and performance making it fun- to-drive. The 2004 incentives and trade-in allowance help close the deal for me on this quality vehicle.

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  EXCELLENT RIDE - 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By jrs - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Eclipse because of the performance figures and got sooo much more. This ride is EXCELLENT!! fully loaded (no need for extras--except the alloy fuel door). I highly recommed at the very least a test drive--you will be impressed.

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  NEVER AGain - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By cydneyc - March 9 - 4:39 am

  I bought this car because it looked amazing on the outside & test drove it once & fell in love. two weeks into my loan my car was going down hill from there. tune ups, alignments, Y Pipe had a hole in it. car was shaking really bad when the AC is on, shakes while stepping on the brake, the only time it did not shake was when it was in park. the worst car ever its a true RIP OFF. My door got stuck & I couldnt get out. I had to kick it out, and the whole panel came off. The dealer said its unfixable I have to get a whole new door. I hate this car

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  Pros and Cons - 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By jacks74 - March 8 - 7:30 am

  This was my first brand new car. A couple months into purchasing it, I had an issue starting it. I took it in and they said that it was a computer glitch with my line of car and that they couldnt fix and to press on the gas to start it when it happens. Currently battling the dealership with that but looking at others comments, it seems itll likely always do this. Other than that I love it. I would be more satisfied if the dealership could fix the starting issue. I wish I would have purchased it used because the used price of the car would definitely be worth it.

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  I Love It! - 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By camerona2003 - March 5 - 11:46 pm

  I just took home my Outlander. I am definitely happy with it. The inside is very comfortable. I have the aqua metallic XLS fully loaded. The audio system is awesome. It sounds like you are in a theater with the awesome surround sound. The seats (extra) are pretty hard to fold down, Im still working on that, Anyway, I love it and you should definitely test drive it. I will check back later to remark on the gas mileage and if I have any problems.

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  Loved the 99, Love the 02 - 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
  By Crockett Actuary - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance, especially acceleration from a stop and for passing. Very quiet for a car this size. Only drawback is interior room. Headroom is acceptable but could be better (Im 64"), and backseat room is fine for kids only

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  A great car for a decent price - 2004 Mitsubishi Galant
  By leskor - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The ride in this vehicle is very smooth, and it handles great.